Ultrasound

An ultrasound procedure is a non invasive (from outside the body) imaging procedure used to examine organs in the abdomen including the gallbladder, kidneys, spleen liver, pancreas and other abdominal organs. It is also used to examine organs in the pelvis including the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix and bladder.

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that reflect off of a body structure to form an image. The echoes from the sound waves give information regarding size, distance and uniformity of the organ and are recorded and displayed on a monitor screen. These images are recorded in “real time,” which means the screen is displaying what is actually happening during the exam.

AGH offers 3D/4D prenatal ultrasounds. A 3D ultrasound enables parents to see a three-dimension picture of the unborn baby and a 4D ultrasound captures movement providing a live action image. Because the 3D/4D ultrasounds are not diagnostic, they are not typically covered by insurance. However, unlike most other area hospitals or imaging facilities that charge a fee for this service, AGH has opted not to charge an additional fee for this service. It will be available to patients after their 22nd week of pregnancy, following the completion of a diagnostic ultrasound at the hospital.

All ultrasound technologists at AGH are registered with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for this exam. You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam.

Outpatient Ultrasounds are scheduled every day from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information or to schedule a procedure, please call our Radiology department at (269) 686-4210. For more information about a specific Ultrasound procedure visit www.radiologyinfo.org